Residents left stunned by theft

CRIME SCENE ... The area at St Bernadette's Nursing Home where the bench used to be. From left are Audrey Graham, Ingrid Train, Nora Rogers with her dog Molly and Hazel Capinpin. 121354. Picture by Kevin Allen.

Published:13:33Monday 02 April 2012

METAL thieves in Scarborough proved that even if something is bolted down they will steal it anyway.

They stole a much-loved bench from St Bernardette’s Nursing Home in Trinity Road – all that was left were the bolts which had secured it to the ground.

The bench had been donated to the home by a former resident and it was well used by other residents.

Ingrid Train, the home’s manager, said: “When the residents were going out to sit on it they realised it wasn’t there.

“The thieves had unscrewed it and left them there.

“It had been donated and everyone in the home was upset because we don’t have much. They used to sit out there and enjoy it.

“They see people from the community going past and talk to them. Our resident’s dog used to sit there as well.”

The person who donated the bench was a 94-year-old woman and was a long-term resident before she passed away.

It is believed that the bench was taken for the value of the metal it contained – it was made from cast iron with wooden sides

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said that it was stolen some time between 1.30pm on Tuesday and 9am on Wednesday.

He added: “Police inquiries have been carried out at the scene and are continuing in the local area.

“This is a shameful theft targeting elderly and vulnerable people. The bench has got a great deal of sentimental value.

“The sooner the culprits are arrested the better for everyone concerned.”

People with any information about either the incident or the stolen bench are urged to contact Scarborough Police.

Contact North Yorkshire Police non-emergency number on 101, select option two and ask for PC Ulrika Kelly quoting ref: 12120049096.